Naturopathic physicians differ from medical doctors in that they are experts in using natural therapeutics such as herbal medicine, homeopathy, diet and nutrition to stimulate healing, rather than using drugs or surgery.  In addition, they treat their patients holistically - they look at the body as a whole - an interconnection of mental, emotional, spiritual and physical components.  Consequently, naturopathic appointments are longer and the health history taken is far more detailed than would be the case with a medical doctor.